strop

[ strop ]

noun

1. any of several devices for sharpening razors, especially a strip of leather or other flexible material.
2. Also Nautical, Machinery.
   1. a rope or a band of metal surrounding and supporting a block, deadeye, etc.
   2. a metal band surrounding the pulley of a block to transmit the load on the pulley to its hook or shackle.
   3. a rope sling, as for handling cargo.
   4. a ring or grommet of rope.

verb (used with object)

, stropped, strop·ping.

1. to sharpen on or as if on a strop.

strop

/ strɒp /

noun

1. a leather strap or an abrasive strip for sharpening razors
2. a rope or metal band around a block or deadeye for support
3. informal.
   a temper tantrum

   he threw a strop and stormed off

verb

1. tr to sharpen (a razor, etc) on a strop

Other Words From

• stropper noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of strop¹

before 1050; Middle English (noun), Old English; cognate with Dutch, Low German strop; all probably < Latin stroppus, variant of struppus strap

Word History and Origins

Origin of strop¹

C14 (in nautical use: a strip of rope): via Middle Low German or Middle Dutch strop, ultimately from Latin stroppus, from Greek strophos cord; see strophe

Example Sentences

There are attacks that may be cured by the razor-strop or a bucket of cold water, but these are exceptional.

From Project Gutenberg

The 'Egeria,' schooner, was disabled very early in the race by the carrying away of the iron strop round her boom.

From Project Gutenberg

"Be sure and don't cut my head off," murmured the orphan, as he watched the razor flashing to and fro along the strop.

From Project Gutenberg

Then I was turned out again, and if I failed again I got still more ‘strop,’ and went to bed without any supper.

From Project Gutenberg

They gave him an old razor, some soap and a strop, also a small brush, and he was ready for work.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• belt
• harness
• leash